274 
A nalyses of Books. 
[April, 
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology . By the late 
Prof. J. F. W. Johnston and Dr. C. A. Cameron. Tenth 
Edition. Edinburgh and London : W. Blackwood and 
Sons. 
Johnston’s “Agricultural Chemistry” is so well known, and so 
deservedly valued by that part of the public who take an especial 
interest in the first and most important part of the useful arts, 
that neither an exposition of its nature and contents nor general 
laudatory phrases can be at all admissible. The present edition 
has been elaborated by Dr. Cameron in accordance with the dis- 
coveries made since the death of Prof. Johnston. The chemical 
nomenclature has also been altered — a step, in our opinion, of 
doubtful expediency. Practical men never will speak of sulphuric 
acid as “ dihydric sulphate.” We fear that the terminology of 
“ new chemistry ” is responsible for no small amount of con- 
fusion, and has seriously tended to frustrate the diffusion of a 
knowledge of chemical facts among the industrial classes. 
We are sorry also to find that in our cold, rainy, over-watered 
climate Dr. Cameron considers irrigation as the best method for 
disposing of town-sewage, and that too without any previous 
defecation. 
Apart from these drawbacks the work appears entitled to our 
almost unqualified commendation. 
United States Commission on Fish and Fisheries. Part V. 
Report of the Commissioner for 1877. Washington : 
Government Printing-Office. 
We have here a goodly volume devoted to an inquiry into the 
decrease of food-fishes, and to considerations on the propagation 
of such fish in the waters of the United States. It is well stored 
with facts interesting both to the ichthyologist and to all prac- 
tically engaged in the culture and catching of fish. In connection 
with the carriage of fish from the place of capture to distant 
markets, we find a very elaborate account of the various con- 
trivances for producing artificial cold. There is also a very 
complete series of annual reports of the Norwegian fisheries 
near the Loffoden Islands. 
We notice here an interesting essay by Karl Dambeck, on the 
“ Geographical Distribution of the Gadidae, or Cod Family, in 
its relation to Fisheries and Commerce.” 
The manufacture of manure from the refuse of the fisheries 
appears to be rapidly assuming more extensive proportions on 
